A Season Made for Campfires and Cozy Reads
Exploring fall’s beauty, one campground and one chapter at a time.
Fall, my favorite time of the year. Maybe it’s because I’m from the Northeast, but there’s just something magical about fall. The changing colors, the smell of wood smoke in the crisp air, and the simple joy of apple picking always bring a sense of nostalgia and joy.
When it comes to camping, fall is hands-down my favorite season too. The bugs have disappeared, the air is perfect for hiking, and campgrounds feel calm and quiet again now that school’s back in session. It’s the season of slow mornings and cozy evenings, crockpot dinners like chili simmering all day, campfires and outdoor movie nights snuggled under blankets, and quiet nights inside the RV with the fireplace on and a good book in hand.
And let’s not forget one of the best parts of fall camping, the celebrations! Many campgrounds host Halloween events throughout October, which makes it extra fun for families. I still remember one year when we were on the road and celebrated Halloween five different times! The kids thought it was the best thing ever.
As the days get cooler and the leaves start to change, here are a few of my favorite ways to make the most of this cozy, colorful season on the road:
Take a scenic leaf-peeping drive
Fall is the perfect time to explore winding backroads and watch the trees transform into vibrant shades of gold, red, and orange. Pack a thermos of cider and your camera for the ride.
Visit a local orchard or pumpkin patch
Many farms near campgrounds offer apple picking, hayrides, and corn mazes, the kind of wholesome fall fun that makes for lasting family memories.
Host a campground chili cook-off or potluck
Invite nearby campers to bring their favorite crockpot dish. It’s an easy, delicious way to make new friends and share recipes around the fire.
Have a campfire movie night
Set up a projector and a white sheet for an outdoor theater experience under the stars. Don’t forget the s’mores and cozy blankets!
Go hiking or biking
Cooler temperatures make for perfect trail adventures. Look for paths with scenic overlooks or waterfalls surrounded by colorful foliage.
Try fall crafts with the kids
Gather leaves and pinecones to make garlands, paint pumpkins, or start nature journals, fun projects that double as roadschooling lessons.
Celebrate Halloween on the road
Many campgrounds host trick-or-treating, site-decorating contests, and costume parades. Even if you’re far from home, you can still join in the spooky fun.
Curl up with a good book
When the day winds down, there’s nothing better than wrapping up in a blanket by the fire (or the RV fireplace) with a cozy fall read. A heartwarming novel or a good mystery pairs perfectly with the season. Check out my fall picks here.
📍 Worth the Stop
If you find yourself in upstate New York this fall, make sure to stop by Liberty Ridge Farm, one of our family’s favorite places for classic fall fun!
From the corn maze and pedal carts to the jumping pillows and more than 50 kid-friendly activities, it’s the perfect spot to let the kids run wild (and wear themselves out!). It’s been a couple of years since we last visited, and they’ve added even more attractions, making it even better than before. Be sure to grab a pumpkin and some apple cider donuts on your way out to top off your perfect fall day.
🚐 RV Tip of the Week
We just hit the road again after being stationary all summer, and our current campground has especially high water pressure, a good reminder for everyone: always use a water pressure regulator!
This small, inexpensive tool helps prevent campground water from damaging your RV’s plumbing system, fittings, and appliances. It’s one of those essentials you don’t want to travel without. You can grab the one we use here.
🛒 Add to Cart: My Current Faves
Check out this tablet/snack holder I snagged on Prime Day and don’t worry, it’s still on sale! I plan to use it for my Kindle Scribe and, of course, all my favorite roadtrip snacks!
📚 What I’m Reading
I’ve read quite a few books since I last shared an update, but here are a few recent releases worth mentioning!
Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver
This dark romance follows two serial killers whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways. What starts as a cat-and-mouse chase turns into a twisted love story between two people who should be enemies but can’t resist each other. I gave this one ⭐⭐⭐⭐ not for everyone, but if you like morally gray characters and dark tension, it’s worth the read.
The Intruder by Freida McFadden
I’m usually a huge fan of Freida’s fast-paced psychological thrillers, but this one fell a bit flat for me. It follows a woman who has an unexpected guest during a storm. While it has her signature short chapters and twists, it lacks some of the shock and suspense of her earlier books. Still a solid read, but not my favorite from her collection.
Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose
This is my current read and definitely not my usual pick! Set in a zombie apocalypse, the story follows a woman navigating life, loss, and the absurdity of modern dating when civilization has crumbled. It’s part romance and part dark comedy. I picked it up because it felt like the perfect October read, and so far, I’m hooked.
📬 Until Next Time…
Thanks for joining me for another edition of Reading & Roadtrips! I hope it’s inspired you to explore new places and carve out time for a good book.
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